BIRMINGHAM CITY have sold their women’s team to their ownership group, with pundit Karen Carney and tennis star Kim Clijsters also acquiring a stake.
The club – owned by Americans Tom Wagner and legend – announced that 97 per cent of the women’s team had been sold to Shelby Companies Limited (SCL).
Birmingham City have sold their women’s team to the club’s ownership groupCredit: Getty
The remaining three per cent has been purchased by investors including ex-Lionesses star Carney, who previously played for the club.
Former player Clijsters is another high-profile figure who has invested in the women’s side.
SCL are a subsidiary of Knighthead Capital Management, the investment firm run by Wagner.
Birmingham, who have , say the sale will help the women’s team compete at the highest level.
A statement read: “The acquisition will elevate the focus on the women’s team and help it to deliver on the stated ambition for the Club to compete at the highest levels in the women’s game.
“It also reflects Knighthead’s commitment to women’s sport in the city of Birmingham.
“The Club’s leadership team will continue to manage the day-to-day operations, with no immediate changes to staffing or football operations.”
The women’s board added: “The ambition is to go beyond anything that Birmingham City Women has achieved before – domestically and internationally.
Former player Karen Carney has also purchased a stake in the sideCredit: PA
Former Kim Clijsters is another new investor in the women’s teamCredit: Getty
“And in the process, inspire a new generation of young girls, who will get the opportunity to perform in the planned women’s stadium within the Birmingham Sports Quarter.
“This transaction will be a catalyst to make it happen.”
And Birmingham City CEO Jeremy Dale said having Carney and Clijsters on board would only help take the women’s side to the next level.
He said: “Birmingham City has a strong heritage in the women’s game, competing at the highest levels and winning the in 2012.
“It has developed outstanding talents like Karen Carney, Kerys Harrop and , who have represented the women’s game with distinction.
“To now have Karen, along with Kim Clijsters and several other prominent women business leaders as investors is a pivotal moment for the Club.”
It comes after Birmingham unveiled striking stadium designs for a 62,000-seater arena with 12 huge chimneys.
The plans will be part of a £2.5bn Sports Quarter redevelopment and could be in place by the 2030-31 season.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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